Apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on a media playing device

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are apparatus and method for facilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a transmission of media content, information regarding the content, and information for facilitating a purchase of at least one of a copy of the content, a good, and/or a service. The content may include broadcast media content and entertainment media content. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to process the information regarding the content and the information for facilitating a purchase of the copy of the content, the good, and/or the service. The apparatus also includes a display device for displaying information.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method forfacilitating a purchase using information provided on a media playingdevice and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for facilitating apurchase by utilizing information provided concerning media contentwhich is broadcast to a media playing device and/or by utilizinginformation concerning media content which is being played on a mediaplaying device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Millions of individuals listen to radio stations and/or televisionstations each day. Individuals utilize radios in order to listen tomusic, radio programs, radio news programs, and/or radio talk shows,etc. Individuals utilize television in order to watch televisionprograms, television shows, television news programs, television talkshows, movies, and/or music videos, etc.

As many individuals can attest, oftentimes a song may be playing whichthe listener desires to purchase. For example, a listener can belistening to a song, find it enjoyable, and desire to purchase a copy ofthe song or a copy of the album on which the song is featured.Typically, in order to effect such a purchase, the individual will haveto obtain information regarding the song, such as, for example, the nameof the song, the performer who is performing the song, or any otherinformation (i.e. the name of the album on which the song may befeatured or found, etc.), the retailer or distributor of the song oralbum, and/or the price of a copy of the song or a copy of the album onwhich the song is featured. Thereafter, the individual can purchase thecopy of the respective song or album.

More often than not, however, an individual's desire to purchase a copyof a respective song or album is stronger at the time the individual islistening to same. Some may argue that the desire can fade away if notacted upon quickly. In this manner, individuals may not satisfy theirdesires and producers or distributors of the respective songs or albumscan be deprived of sales which could have been made had the individualbeen able to act on his or her impulse.

In a similar manner, there are many instances in which an individual maybe watching a television show, program, or movie and, finding same to beenjoyable, desire to purchase a copy of same. Typically, in order toeffect such a purchase, the individual may have to obtain informationregarding the respective show, program, or movie, such as, for example,the name of the respective show, program, or movie, retailer ordistributor of the respective show, program, or movie, and/or the priceof a copy of the respective show, program, or movie. Thereafter, theindividual can purchase the copy of the respective show, program, ormovie.

In a similar manner, there are many instances in which an individual maybe listening a radio or watching a television advertisement and, findingsame to be desirable, desire to purchase a the object of theadvertisement. Typically, in order to effect such a purchase, theindividual may have to write down a telephone number and or the Internetwebsite address (URL). Thereafter, the individual can purchase thesubject of the respective advertisement by dialing the telephone numberor visiting the website.

More often than not, however, a desire to purchase a copy of arespective show, program, or movie, is stronger at the time theindividual is viewing same. Here too, some may argue that the desire canfade away if not acted upon quickly. In this manner, individuals may notsatisfy their desires and producers or distributors of the respectiveshows, programs, movies, or vendors of the objects of advertisement, canbe deprived of sales which could have been made had the individual beenable to act on his or her impulse.

In today's information age, individuals are use to, and typicallyexpect, if not demand, to be able to make purchases and/or to otherwiseact on their desires in an instant. Yet, in spite of this, no system orapparatus is currently available which can provide an individual withthe ability to purchase a copy of a respective song, album, televisionshow, television program, movie, or object of advertisement instantlyeither during, or in conjunction with, a broadcast of same, or shortlythereafter. Further, no system or apparatus is currently available whichcan facilitate the purchase of a copy of a respective song, album,television show, television program or movie, or object of advertisementvia a respective media playing device, such a radio or television, on orover which the respective song, album, television show, televisionprogram, or movie, is being played.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method forfacilitating a purchase using information provided on a media playingdevice which overcomes the shortfalls of the prior art. The presentinvention pertains to an apparatus and method for facilitating apurchase using information provided on a media playing device byutilizing information which pertains to the media content which isbroadcast to the media playing device and/or which is being played on amedia playing device.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providinginformation regarding the content of a radio broadcast, a televisionbroadcast, and/or a media broadcast of any kind or type, and/orinformation regarding content which can be stored on a conventionalstorage medium. The information provided can include any information,descriptive matter, and/or other subject matter, regarding the mediacontent and/or for facilitating a purchase transaction involving same.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providinginformation regarding media content which is broadcast to, and/or playedby, a media playing device. The present invention can displayinformation pertaining to the media content, information pertaining to apurchase of a copy of the media content, and/or information for engagingin a transaction(s) involving the media content and/or a copy of same.The information can be displayed and/or can be stored in the mediaplaying device during the playing of the media content.

The present invention can allow an individual to effect a purchase orengage in a transaction with a central processing facility by utilizingthe information displayed at, and/or stored in, the media playingdevice.

The present invention can be utilized in order to provide informationregarding, relating to, and/or descriptive of, radio programs, songs,television programs, television shows, movies, commercial advertising,and/or audio or video information of any kind. The respective radioprograms, songs, television programs, television shows, movies,advertising, and/or audio or video information, can be broadcast from abroadcasting system or broadcasting station.

The respective radio programs, songs, television programs, televisionshows, movies, advertisements, and/or audio or video information, can bebroadcast as a live broadcast of media content, or as a broadcast ofpre-recorded or taped media content.

The information can be provided along with, and/or in conjunction with,the respective stored radio programs, songs, television programs,television shows, movies, advertisements, and/or audio or videoinformation, on a storage medium which can include, but which is notlimited to, a video cassette, a film, a digital video disc (DVD), acompact disc (CD), a laser disc, a tape, and MP3 file storage medium,and/or any other electronic, magnetic, optical and/or any other storagemedia.

The respective radio programs, songs, television programs, televisionshows, movies, advertisements, and/or audio or video information, can bebroadcast from a respective radio broadcaster, television broadcaster,and/or other media broadcaster.

The information which can be provided along with, and/or in conjunctionwith, the respective radio programs, songs, television programs,television shows, movies, advertisements, and/or audio or videoinformation (hereinafter referred to as “media content”) can include thename or title of the media content, the respective performer(s),singer(s), actor(s), director(s), producer(s), writer(s), composer(s),involved in, and/or featured in, the respective media content (i.e. asong performer, a movie actor, a producer, etc.), a description of themedia content (i.e. song lyrics description, movie theme, etc.), theyear produced, the description and/or benefits of the object ofadvertisement (i.e. a product or a service), and any cost or priceinformation regarding same (i.e. song album price, movie video price,product price, etc.).

The information can also include a unique identification number whichcan be assigned to and/or which can be associated with each particularselection of media content as well as any information which can or whichmay be needed and/or desired for ordering the media content and/or forprocessing a transaction involving the media content.

The information, which can be provided by the present invention, canalso include information regarding goods or services which informationcan be provided to a user along with, and/or in addition to, the otherherein-described information regarding the media content. Theinformation regarding goods or services can include marketinginformation, sales information, promotional information, advertisementinformation, and/or any other information for facilitating a sale of arespective good or service and/or for promoting a respective good orservice.

The present invention can provide a display of the information forviewing by an individual or it can store information, which can beconcealed from the individual. The information can be stored at themedia playing device, which can utilize certain of the information inorder to facilitate a transaction involving same.

Upon an individual ordering or requesting to purchase of a copy of mediacontent, or any other good or service, the present invention can accessany stored information and transmit same along with the order orpurchase request, to a central processing facility computer via anycommunication network. The order or purchase request, along with theinformation, can then be utilized in order to facilitate the processingof the individual's order or purchase request. In instances when theinformation is concealed from the individual, the individual can placethe order or purchase request without having to know the informationregarding the media content.

The apparatus of the present invention can include a broadcastingsystem, which can broadcast any of the media content described herein.Any number of broadcasting systems can be utilized in conjunction withthe apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention can also include a media playingdevice, which can receive broadcasts from any of the broadcastingsystems described herein. The broadcasts can include any of theherein-described media content. The media playing device can beassociated with one or more individuals or users of the apparatus.

The media playing device can be any one of more of a radio, atelevision, a computer, or other device for receiving and/or playingbroadcasts or transmissions of media content. Any number of mediaplaying devices can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus of thepresent invention.

The apparatus of the present invention can also include a centralprocessing facility computer, which can process purchase orders orpurchase requests that can be received from users of the media playingdevices. Any number of central processing facility computers can beutilized in conjunction with the apparatus of the present invention.

The apparatus of the present invention can operate, and/or can beutilized, on, over, and/or in conjunction with, any suitablecommunication network or system which can include but which is notlimited to any one or more of a radio frequency (RF) communicationnetwork or system, a cable television communication network or system, atelecommunications network or system, a satellite communications networksystem, a closed-circuit communication network or system, the Internet,the World Wide Web, a wireless communication network, a wirelessInternet communication network, and/or a wireless World Wide Webcommunication network.

The apparatus can also operate and/or can be utilized on, over, and/orin conjunction with, any other suitable communication network or system.

The broadcasting system can include broadcasting equipment, which caninclude any and all of the components and/or system components commonlyfound in traditional broadcasting systems for facilitating thefunctionality of the respective media broadcasting system.

The broadcasting system can also include a central processing computerfor controlling the operation of the broadcasting system and a memorydevice for storing any information needed and/or desired for performingthe functionality described herein as being performed by the presentinvention.

The broadcasting system can also include a receiver for receiving dataand/or information, which can be transmitted to the broadcasting systemfrom any of the media playing devices and/or any of the centralprocessing facility computers. The broadcasting system can also includea transmitter for transmitting data and/or information to any of themedia playing devices and/or any of the central processing facilitycomputers.

The media content can be provided with any of the herein-describedinformation, which can be provided in a header field and/or which can beencoded into the main body of the media content. The information can beencoded with the media content of a live broadcast and/or with the livebroadcast of media content, which is being broadcast from a storedmedium. The information can encoded and/or transmitted in any othersuitable way.

The media playing device can include media playing device equipment,which can include any and/or all of the components and systems of therespective media playing device. The media playing device can alsoinclude a central processing unit (CPU) and/or computer chip forcontrolling the operation of the media playing device.

The media playing device can also include an input device, which caninclude a remote control device, for inputting information and/orcommands into the media playing device. The media playing device canalso include a display device for displaying any of the informationdescribed-herein as being provided by the present invention.

The media playing device can also include a receiver for receiving dataand/or information which can be transmitted to the media playing devicefrom any of the broadcasting systems and/or any of the centralprocessing facility computers. The media playing device can also includea transmitter for transmitting data and/or information to any of thebroadcasting systems and/or any of the central processing facilitycomputers.

The central processing facility computer can include a centralprocessing computer for providing control over the central processingfacility computer. The central processing computer can also be utilizedin order to process purchase orders, purchase requests, and/or any othertransactions, involving the media content.

The central processing facility can also include a memory device forstoring any of the data and/or information needed and/or desired forprocessing any of the transactions described herein and/or forperforming any of the other functions and/or processing routinesdescribed herein as being performed by the central processing facilitycomputer.

The central processing facility computer can also include an inputdevice, for inputting information and/or commands into the centralprocessing facility computer, and a display device, for displaying anyof the information described-herein as being provided by the presentinvention.

The central processing facility computer can also include a receiver forreceiving data and/or information which can be transmitted to thecentral processing facility computer from any of the media playingdevices and/or any of the broadcasting systems. The central processingfacility computer can also include a transmitter for transmitting dataand/or information to any of the media playing devices and/or any of thebroadcasting systems.

The broadcasting system can broadcast or transmit the media contentalong with the information regarding the media content to the mediaplaying device associated with the individual. The media playing devicecan receive the broadcast and process the information regarding themedia content. The media playing device can play the media content andcan either display the information regarding to the media content to theindividual and/or store same in the memory device of the media playingdevice. The information can also be concealed from the individual'sviewing.

At any time during the playing of the media content, the individual canplace an order to buy or purchase a copy of same. The individual canalso place an order to buy or purchase any good or service for whichinformation is provided. The individual can enter a purchase order orpurchase request regarding the media content, good, or service, into themedia playing device. The media playing device can process the purchaseorder or purchase request in conjunction with the information regardingthe media content, good or service, and generate a purchase requestmessage which can then be transmitted to the central processing facilitycomputer.

The central processing facility computer can process the transactioninvolving the information contained in the purchase request message. Thecentral processing facility computer can also consummate thetransaction, arrange for payment from the individual, and/or arrange fora shipment of the copy of the media content to the individual. Thecentral processing facility computer can also generate an orderconfirmation message and transmit same to the individual.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device by utilizing information which pertains to themedia content which is broadcast to a media playing device.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device by utilizing information whichpertains to the media content which is being played on a media playingdevice.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can provide informationregarding, and/or in conjunction with, the content of a radio broadcast,a television broadcast, and/or a media broadcast.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can provide information regarding the mediacontent which can be stored on a storage medium.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can provide information inconjunction with live broadcasts of media content and/or broadcasts ofpre-recorded media content.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can provide information whichcan include any one or more of a name or title of the media content, arespective performer(s), singer(s), actor(s), director(s), producer(s),writer(s), composer(s), involved in, and/or featured in, the respectivemedia content, a description of the media content, the year produced,order information regarding the media content, and/or any cost or priceinformation regarding the media content.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can be utilized on, over, or in conjunctionwith, any one or more of a radio frequency (RF) communication network orsystem, a cable television communication network or system, atelecommunications network or system, s satellite communicationsnetwork, and/or a closed-circuit communication network or system.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can be utilized on, over, or inconjunction with, any one or more of the Internet, the World Wide Web, awireless communication network, a wireless Internet communicationnetwork, and/or a wireless World Wide Web communication network.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can be utilized in conjunctionwith media content wherein the information is any one or more of,encoded into, multiplexed with, mixed with, and/or transmitted inconjunction with, the media content.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can be provided as a header file to the mediacontent.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can be utilized in conjunctionwith media content which can be received and processed at a mediaplaying device.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can display the information toa respective listener or viewer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can store the information at the mediaplaying device.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can conceal the informationfrom a listener or viewer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can provide informationpertaining to purchasing a copy of the media content.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can provide information for engaging in atransaction involving the media content and/or a copy of same.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can allow an individual toeffect a purchase by utilizing the information provided along with themedia content.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can allow an individual totransmit an order or request for the media content, or a copy of same,to a central processing facility computer.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can process an order or request for the mediacontent or for a copy of same.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can process a purchase order inconjunction with information regarding the media content.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can also provide information regarding goodsand services along with, and/or in addition to, the informationregarding the media content.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can allow an individual totransmit an order or request for a good or service to a centralprocessing facility computer.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can process an order or requestfor a good or service.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can process a purchase order in conjunctionwith information regarding a good or service.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can generate a purchase requestmessage.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can transmit a purchase requestmessage to a central processing facility.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can process a transaction involvinginformation contained in a purchase request message.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can consummate a transaction.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anapparatus and method for facilitating a purchase using informationprovided on a media playing device which can generate an orderconfirmation message regarding a transaction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatusand method for facilitating a purchase using information provided on amedia playing device which can transmit an order confirmation messageregarding a transaction to an individual.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparentto those skilled in the art upon a review of the Description of thePreferred Embodiments taken in conjunction with the Drawings, whichfollow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention, in block diagram form;

FIG. 2 illustrates the broadcasting system of FIG. 1, in block diagramform;

FIG. 3 illustrates the media playing device of FIG. 1, in block diagramform;

FIG. 4 illustrates the central processing facility computer of FIG. 1,in block diagram form;

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a preferred embodiment method for utilizingthe apparatus of the present invention, in flow diagram form; and

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another preferred embodiment method forutilizing the apparatus of the present invention, in flow diagram form.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method forfacilitating a purchase using information provided on a media playingdevice and, in particular, to an apparatus and method for facilitating apurchase by utilizing information provided concerning media contentwhich is broadcast to a media playing device and/or by utilizinginformation concerning media content which is being played on a mediaplaying device.

The present invention provides an apparatus and method for providinginformation regarding the content of a television broadcast, a radiobroadcast, and/or a media broadcast of any kind or type, and/orinformation regarding content which can be stored on a conventionalstorage medium.

The information provided can include any information, descriptivematter, and/or other subject matter, regarding the media content as wellas information for identifying the media content and/or for facilitatinga purchase or transaction involving same. In this manner, the presentinvention provides an apparatus and method for providing informationregarding media content which is being broadcast to, or played by, amedia playing device.

The information can be displayed and/or can be stored in the mediaplaying device during the playing of same. The individual can effect apurchase or a transaction, involving the media content and/or a copy ofsame, with a central processing facility by utilizing the informationdisplayed at, and/or stored in the media playing device during thebroadcast of, or during the playing of, the media content.

In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus andmethod can be utilized in order to provide information regarding,relating to, and/or descriptive of radio programs, songs, televisionprograms, television shows, movies, and/or audio or video information ofany kind. The respective radio programs, songs, television programs,television shows, movies, and/or audio or video information of any kind,can be broadcast from a broadcasting system or broadcasting station.

The respective radio programs, songs, television programs, televisionshows, movies, and/or audio or video information of any kind, can bebroadcast as a live broadcast of media content or as a broadcast ofpre-recorded or taped media content.

In another preferred embodiment, the information can be provided alongwith, and/or in conjunction with, the respective stored radio programs,songs, television programs, television shows, movies, and/or audio orvideo information, on a storage medium which can include, but which isnot limited to, a video cassette, a film, a digital video disc, acompact disc, a laser disc, a tape, an MP3 file storage device, and/orany other electronic and/or magnetic storage medium.

The respective radio programs, songs, television programs, televisionshows, movies, radio programs, songs, and/or audio or video information,which can be stored on the respective storage medium, can be broadcastfrom a respective radio broadcaster, television broadcaster, and/orother media broadcaster, and/or can be utilized on a user's mediaplaying device which can include, but which is limited to, a radio, atelevision, a personal computer, a compact disc player, a video discplayer, a laser disc player, a video cassette recorder, a video cassetteplayer, a tape player, an MP3 player, and/or any other suitable mediaplaying device.

The information which can be provided along with, and/or in conjunctionwith, the respective television programs, radio programs, songs,television shows, movies, radio programs, songs, and/or audio or videoinformation, (hereinafter referred to as “media content”) can includethe name or title of the media content, the respective performer(s),singer(s), actor(s), director(s), producer(s), writer(s), composer(s),involved in, and/or featured in, the respective media content (i.e. asong performer, a movie actor, a producer, etc.), a description of themedia content (i.e. song lyrics description, movie theme, etc.), theyear produced, order information regarding the media content, and anycost or price information regarding the media content (i.e. song albumprice, movie video price).

The information can also include a unique identification number whichcan be assigned to, and/or which can be associated with, each particularselection of media content as well as any information which can or maybe needed and/or desired for ordering the media content and/or forprocessing a transaction involving the media content.

The unique identification number can be utilized in order to identify aparticular selection of media content, song, program, movie, etc., forany appropriate reason, such as for broadcast planning, for mediacontent sales, etc., as well as for facilitating the processing oftransactions involving the media content. The information can alsoinclude any other data and/or information which can be related to themedia content.

The information which can be provided by the present invention can alsoinclude information regarding goods or services which information can beprovided to a user along with, and/or in addition to, the otherherein-described information regarding the media content. Theinformation regarding goods or services can include marketinginformation, sales information, promotional information, advertisementinformation, and/or any other information for facilitating a sale of arespective good or service and/or for promoting a respective good orservice.

As defined herein, the term “media playing device”, or the plural ofsame, refers to radios, radio receivers, stereos, televisions, compactdisc players, digital video disc players, laser disc players, tapeplayers, video cassette players, computers, MP3 players, and/or anyother suitable devices or systems which can be utilized in order toreceive and present broadcasts of the media content described herein(i.e. radio broadcasts, television program broadcasts, media broadcasts,etc.), and/or any other suitable device which can play or present mediacontent from a storage medium.

As defined herein, the terms “broadcaster”, “media provider”, or theplurals of same, refer to any broadcasters, radio broadcasters,television broadcasters, media broadcasters, and/or any providers orbroadcasters of any of the herein-described media content.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can provideinformation regarding media content, such as for example, a song, atelevision show, a movie, a radio program, etc., and/or informationregarding any good(s) or service(s), by displaying said information toan individual listener, viewer, or receiver, of the respective mediacontent. For example, information regarding a song which is beingbroadcast by a radio station can be provided on a suitable displaydevice located on an individual's media playing device, radio,television, stereo, and/or remote control device.

The information can include any one or more of the name of the song, thealbum, if any, on which the song is featured, the artist(s) orperformer(s) performing the song, the producer(s) of the song, thecomposer(s) of the song, the theme of the song or the song's lyrics, theyear produced, and/or the price(s) of a single recording and/or theprice(s) of the album(s) featuring the song.

In another preferred embodiment, the information can be concealed fromthe individual and/or can otherwise be non-viewable by the individual,but instead, can be stored at, or in, the media playing device. Themedia playing device 20 can utilize certain of the information in orderto facilitate a transaction involving the media content. For example,information regarding a song being played on a media playing device suchas, for example, a radio, can be stored in a buffer or memory inside theradio.

If the individual should decide to purchase a song single or an album onwhich the song is featured, or any good or service, he or she can placean order by utilizing the input device of the radio. The radio canaccess the information stored in the buffer or memory and transmit samealong with an order or request, to a central processing facilitycomputer, via the communication network. The order or request, alongwith the information, can then be utilized in order to facilitate theprocessing of the individual's order without the individual having toknow the information regarding the media content.

In an embodiment where the information is provided to the individual,such as by being displayed on a display device, the individual can beapprised of the information, including the price of the respective mediacontent, good, or service, prior to placing the order for same.

In the case of a television show, program, or movie, the information caninclude any one or more of the name of the show, program, or movie, theactor(s) featured in the show, program, or movie, the producer(s) and/ordirector(s) of the show, program, or movie, the writer(s) or composer(s)of the show, program, or movie, the theme of the show, program, ormovie, the year produced, and/or the price of a recording or a copy ofthe show, program, or movie.

In the case of any other media content, the information can include anyof the above-described information and/or any other information whichmay be relevant to, and/or pertinent to, the content or media content.

FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus of the present invention which isdesignated generally by the reference numeral 100. With reference toFIG. 1, the apparatus includes a broadcasting system 10 which canbroadcast any of the media content described herein. Any number ofbroadcasting systems 10 can be utilized in conjunction with theapparatus 100 of the present invention. Each broadcasting system 10 canbe associated with one or more of a radio broadcaster, a televisionbroadcaster, a media broadcaster, a multimedia broadcaster, a radiostation, a television station, or other media provider.

With reference once again to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 also includes amedia playing device 20 which can receive broadcasts from any of thebroadcasting systems 10 described herein. The media playing device 20can be associated with one or more individuals or users of the apparatus100.

In the preferred embodiment, the media playing device 20 can be any oneof more of a radio, a television, and/or media receiver, for receivingbroadcasts.

In another preferred embodiment, the media playing device 20 can be anyone or more of a personal computer, a compact disc player, a video discplayer, a digital virsatile disc player, a laser disc player, a videocassette recorder, a video cassette player, a tape player, an MP3player, and/or any other suitable media content playing device. Themedia playing device 20 can also be any suitable device for playingmedia content from a storage medium. Any number of media playing devices20 can be utilized in conjunction with the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention.

With reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus 100 also includes a centralprocessing facility computer 30. The central processing facilitycomputer 30 can process purchase orders or purchase requests which canbe received from users of the media playing devices 20. Any number ofcentral processing facility computers 20 can be utilized in conjunctionwith the apparatus 100 of the present invention.

As will be described herein, the apparatus 100 can be utilized in orderto facilitate the purchase of, or the ordering of, media content, goods,or services, by utilizing information regarding the respective mediacontent, goods, or services, which is broadcast and/or transmitted alongwith, and/or in conjunction with, the media content. The centralprocessing facility computer 30 can process a transaction involving anyof the herein-described media content, goods, or services, by processingpurchase order or purchase request information along with any of theinformation which was provided in conjunction with the broadcast ortransmission of the media content.

The apparatus 100 can operate and/or can be utilized on, over, and/or inconjunction with, any suitable communication network or system which caninclude any one or more of a radio frequency (RF) communication networkor system, a cable television communication network or system, atelecommunications network or system, a closed circuit communicationnetwork or system, the Internet, the World Wide Web, a wirelesscommunication network, a wireless Internet communication network, and/ora wireless World Wide Web communication network. The apparatus 100 canalso operate and/or can be utilized on, over, and/or in conjunctionwith, any other suitable communication network or system.

FIG. 2 illustrates the broadcasting system 10 of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form. With reference to FIG. 2, the broadcasting system 10includes broadcasting equipment 10A which can include any and all of thecomponents and/or system components commonly found in traditionalbroadcasting systems. In the case of a radio broadcasting system, thebroadcasting equipment 10A can include any and/or all of the componentscommonly found in, and/or associated with, a conventional radiobroadcasting system. Similarly, in the case of a television broadcastingsystem, the broadcasting equipment 10A can include any and/or all of thecomponents commonly found in, and/or associated with, a conventionaltelevision broadcasting system. In the case of media broadcastingsystems of any kind or type, the broadcasting equipment 10A can includeany and/or all of the components needed and/or desired for facilitatingthe functionality of the respective media broadcasting system.

With reference to FIG. 2, the broadcasting system 10 can also include acentral processing computer 10B and associated memory device 10C. Thecentral processing computer 10B can include a processor(s), a randomaccess memory (RAM) device(s), a read only memory (ROM) device(s), aninput device(s), a display device(s), an output device(s), and/or anyother components or devices, including peripheral devices, forperforming any of the functionality described herein. The centralprocessing computer 10B can be linked to, or connected to, thebroadcasting equipment 10A. The memory device 10C can also be linked to,or connected to, the central processing computer 10B.

The memory device 10C can contain any of the information describedherein as being provided with the respective media content. For example,the memory device 10C can contain, for any given song provided pursuantto the teachings of the present invention, any one or more of the nameof the song, the album, if any, on which the song is featured, theartist(s) or performer(s) performing the song, the producer(s) of thesong, the composer(s) of the song, the theme of the song or the song'slyrics, the year produced, and/or the price(s) of a single recordingand/or the price(s) of the album(s) featuring the song.

In the case of a television show, program, or movie, the memory device10C can contain any one or more of the name of the show, program, ormovie, the actor(s) featured in the show, program, or movie, theproducer(s) and/or director(s) of the show, program, or movie, thewriter(s) or composer(s) of the show, program, or movie, the theme ofthe show, program, or movie, the year produced, and/or the price of arecording or tape of the show, program, or movie.

The memory device 10C can also contain media content which is availablefor broadcast to any of the herein-described media playing devices 20.

With reference to FIG. 2, the broadcasting system 10 can also include areceiver 10D for receiving data and/or information which can betransmitted to the broadcasting system 10 from any of theherein-described media playing devices 20 and/or any of theherein-described central processing facility computers 30.

The broadcasting system 10 can also include a transmitter 10E fortransmitting data and/or information to any of the herein-describedmedia playing devices 20 and/or any of the herein-described centralprocessing facility computers 30.

In the preferred embodiment, the media content can be provided with anyof the herein-described information which can be provided in a headerfield and/or which can be encoded into the main body of the mediacontent. In the case of a live broadcast of media content, from astorage medium, the information can be broadcast along with the mediacontent from the storage medium. In another preferred embodiment, thecentral processing computer 10 can encode the pertinent information intothe media content of a live broadcast and/or into the live broadcast ofmedia content which is stored on a storage medium.

FIG. 3 illustrates the media playing device 20 of FIG. 1, in blockdiagram form. The media playing device 20 can include media playingdevice equipment 20A which can include any and/or all of the componentsand systems of the respective media playing device 20. The media playingdevice equipment 20A can also include a reading device for readinginformation from a storage medium, such as, but not limited to, acompact disc, a digital video disc or digital virsatile disc (DVD), alaser disc, a tape, a video cassette tape, an MP3 storage device, and/orany other storage medium or device described herein.

The media playing device 20 can also include a central processingcomputer 20B. The central processing computer 20B can include aprocessor(s), a random access memory (RAM) device(s), a read only memory(ROM) device(s), an input device(s), a display device(s), an outputdevice(s), and/or any other components or devices, including peripheraldevices, for performing any of the functionality described herein. Thecentral processing computer 20B can be utilized in order to process theinformation pertaining to the media content and/or to control thedisplay of same. The central processing computer 20B is linked to, orconnected to, the media playing equipment 20A.

With reference to FIG. 3, the media playing device 20 can also includean input device 20C, which can include a remote control device, forinputting information and/or commands into the media playing device 20.The remote control device can be utilized in order to provide remotecontrol over the operation of the media playing device 20 and/or thecentral processing computer 20B.

The media playing device 20 can also include a display device 20D fordisplaying any of the information described-herein as being provided bythe apparatus 100.

The display device 20D can be a separate display device dedicated to thedisplay of the information provided by the apparatus 100 of the presentinvention. The display device 20D can also be integrated with therespective display screen or control panel of the respective mediaplaying device 20. For example, the display device 20D can be a radiodisplay screen, a radio control panel display, a television displayscreen, a television control panel display, a compact disc playerdisplay, a laser disc player display, a video cassette player display, adigital video disc or digital virsatile disc player display, a tapeplayer display, an MP3 player display, and/or computer display screen.

The display device 20D can also be located on the remote control device20B in addition to, and/or instead of, being located at, or on, themedia playing device 20.

With reference to FIG. 3, the media playing device 20 can also include areceiver 20E for receiving data and/or information which can betransmitted to the media playing device 20 from any of theherein-described broadcasting systems 10 and/or any of theherein-described central processing facility computers 30. The mediaplaying device 20 can also include a transmitter 20F for transmittingdata and/or information to any of the herein-described broadcastingsystems 10 and/or any of the herein-described central processingfacility computers 30.

The apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to provide informationrelating to media content, and/or goods or services, such as, forexample, audio information, video information, and/or audio and videoinformation. In a preferred embodiment, the information can be providedalong with media content which is being broadcast to a media playingdevice. In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can provideinformation which can be provided along with media content which isbeing played from a storage medium located at or in the respective mediaplayer 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates the central processing facility computer 30 of FIG.1, in block diagram form. The central processing facility computer 30can include a central processing computer 30A. The central processingcomputer 30A can include a processor(s), a random access memory (RAM)device(s), a read only memory (ROM) device(s), an input device(s), adisplay device(s), an output device(s), and/or any other components ordevices, including peripheral devices, for performing any of thefunctionality described herein. The central processing computer 30A canbe utilized in order to process purchase orders or purchase requests,along with any information pertaining to the media content, goods, orservices, in order to process transactions involving the respectivemedia content, goods, or services.

With reference to FIG. 4, the central processing facility 30 alsoincludes a memory device 30B for storing any of the data and/orinformation needed and/or desired for processing any of the transactionsdescribed herein and/or for performing any of the functionality and/orprocessing routines described herein as being performed by the centralprocessing facility computer(s) 30.

With reference to FIG. 4, the central processing facility computer 30can also include an input device 30C for inputting information and/orcommands into the central processing facility computer 30. The centralprocessing facility computer 30 can also include a display device 30D,for displaying any of the information described-herein as being providedby the apparatus 100.

With reference to FIG. 4, the central processing facility computer 30can also include a receiver 30E, for receiving data and/or informationwhich can be transmitted to the central processing facility computer 30from any of the herein-described media playing devices 20 and/or any ofthe herein-described broadcasting systems 10.

The central processing facility computer 30 can also include atransmitter 30F, for transmitting data and/or information to any of theherein-described media playing devices 20 and/or any of theherein-described broadcasting systems 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 can provide any of theherein-described information, along with the media content which isbeing broadcast, to a media playing device 20. The apparatus 100 canfacilitate the ordering or purchasing of media content, a copy of themedia content, and/or any good(s) or service(s), by utilizing theinformation relating thereto in conjunction with a respective purchaseorder or purchase request, which can be placed by an individual from amedia playing device 20.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a preferred embodiment method for utilizingthe apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5Aand 5B, the apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to provide broadcastsof audio information, such as from a radio broadcast, or othertransmitted broadcast of music, a song, and/or other audio information,along with any of the herein-described information. For example, theapparatus 100 can provide a radio broadcast of a song.

In conjunction with the song, the apparatus 100 can provide any and/orall of the herein-described information pertaining to, and/or relatingto, the song, such as, for example, information regarding the name ofthe song, the performer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the song, theproducer(s) of song, the album on which the song appears, the price of asong single, the price(s) of an album(s) on which the song can be found,an identification number pertaining to the song, order informationpertaining to the song, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevantinformation regarding the song. The apparatus 100 can also provideinformation regarding goods or services.

The information provided with the song can then be utilized in order toallow an individual to place a purchase order or purchase request for acopy of the song, and/or to place a purchase order or purchase requestfor any good(s) or service(s), via the media playing device 20. Theinformation identifying the song, good(s), or service(s), along with theindividual's purchase order or purchase request for the respective song,an album featuring the song, and/or the good(s) or service(s), can thenbe transmitted from the individual's media playing device 20 to thecentral processing facility computer 30 for transaction processing.

In the case of other audio information, such as, for example, newsbroadcasts, talk radio shows, and/or other audio content which can bebroadcast over the radio or other broadcast medium, the information caninclude any information pertinent and/or relevant to the broadcast orshow. This information can include news story name, title, description,place or time of occurrence, talk show subject matter, and/orparticipants.

Any of the herein-described information can be transmitted along withthe audio information, song, or broadcast. The herein-describedinformation can be encoded into a digital recording or digital file ofthe respective audio information, song, music, or broadcast subjectmatter.

The information can also be encoded and stored at the beginning of therespective audio information, such as in a header portion of the audioinformation, and/or the information can be multiplexed with, and/ormixed with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, audio information.The information can be stored, along with the audio information on, andplayed or broadcast from, a compact disc, a digital video disc ordigital virsatile disc (DVD), a tape, an MP3 storage device, and/or anyother storage medium.

In another preferred embodiment, the information can be broadcast alongwith the audio information by being co-broadcast, in a portion of thesignal bandwidth, by any suitable transmitter or transmission system.The information can also be encoded into, and/or with, the broadcastsignal, and/or can be contained in pulses and/or trains of pulsescontaining data representing the herein-described information.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the operation of the apparatus 100is described in conjunction with providing the herein-describedinformation in conjunction with a radio broadcast of a song or selectionof music. While in the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 isdescribed in conjunction with a radio broadcast of a song, the apparatus100 of FIGS. 5A and 5B can also be utilized in conjunction with Internettransmissions or broadcasts, MP3 transmissions or broadcasts, digitaltransmissions or broadcasts, analog transmissions or broadcasts, radiofrequency transmissions or broadcasts, satellite transmissions orbroadcasts, and/or via any other suitable transmissions or broadcasts.

With reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the operation of the apparatus 100commences at step 500. At step 501, the broadcasting system 10broadcasts or transmits the song or selection of music along with theherein-described information regarding the song or selection of music.At step 501, the broadcasting system 10 can broadcast or transmit thesong or selection of music to any number of media playing devices 20. Inthe embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 5B, the media playing device 20 can beany one or more of a radio, a radio receiver, a mobile radio (i.e. carradio, etc.), and/or any other device for receiving the broadcast ortransmission. As noted above, the information which is transmitted alongwith the song or selection of music can also include informationregarding goods and/or services.

At step 502, the media playing device 20 associated with the individualcan receive the broadcast. At step 503, the media playing device 20 canprocess the information received in the broadcast. At step 503, thecentral processing computer 20B can process the information pertainingto, and/or regarding, the broadcast, which can be transmitted as aheader to the song or selection of music, which can be transmittedthroughout the broadcast of the song or selection of music, and/or whichcan be transmitted during a portion of the song or selection of music.

At step 504, the media playing device 20 can begin playing the song orselection of music. At step 504, the information pertaining to, and/orrelating, to the song or selection of music can be stored in a memorylocation or buffer and can be displayed on the display device 20D. Anyinformation pertaining to, and/or relating to, any good(s) and/orservice(s), can also be stored in a memory location or buffer and can bedisplayed on the display device 20D.

At step 504, the information can be displayed on the display 20D inorder to be viewed by the listener. In another preferred embodiment, theinformation can be stored by the central processing computer 20B in abuffer or memory storage device and can be concealed from the listener.In this manner, the information, which may not available for viewing,can still be available for use in conjunction with the listener'splacing of an order for, or entering into a transaction regarding, acopy of the respective song or selection of music, and/or for placing anorder for, or entering into a transaction regarding, any good(s) and/orservice(s).

In the case of information provided in a header file, the centralprocessing computer 20B can latch or store the information in a bufferor memory device and, thereafter, display the information on the displaydevice 20D. In the case of information which is multiplexed with, mixedwith, or transmitted along with, the broadcast and/or with the audioinformation, the central processing computer 20B can continuouslyprocess the information, such as at pre-determined time intervals, andlatch or store the information in a buffer or memory device.

At step 504, the information can be displayed on any one or more of thedisplay device 20D, the radio display console, and/or a display devicelocated on the radio remote control device 20C. The displayedinformation can include any one or more of the name of the song, theperformer(s) of the song, the composer(s) of the song, the producer(s)of the song, the album on which the song appears, the price of a songsingle, the price(s) of an album(s) on which the song can be found, anidentification number pertaining to the song, order identificationinformation, and/or any other pertinent and/or relevant informationregarding the song.

The information can be displayed on the display device 20D which can bea dedicated display device, for displaying the above-describedinformation, and/or which can be integrated into the radio control panelconsole display and/or the display on the radio remote control device20C. In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual who islistening to the song with any of the herein-described information.

The displayed information can also include information regarding goodsor services. The information regarding goods or services can includemarketing information, sales information, promotional information,advertisement information, and/or any other information for facilitatinga sale of a respective good or service and/or for promoting a respectivegood or service.

At step 504, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the songor selection of music, as well as any information regarding goods orservices, can be displayed on the display device 20D, and/or can bestored in a buffer or memory device, for the duration of the song orselection of music or for a portion of the song or selection of music.

At any time during the playing of the song, the individual can place anorder to buy or purchase a copy of the song or an album on which thesong is featured. The individual can also place an order to buy orpurchase a good(s) and/or service(s). At step 505, the individual, upondeciding to purchase a copy of the song or album, and/or a good(s)and/or a service(s), can enter a purchase request or purchase orderregarding the song or album, and/or a good(s) and/or service(s), intothe input device 20D. At step 506, the central processing device 20Bwill receive and process the purchase order or purchase request. Thecentral processing computer 20B will then, at step 507, retrieveinformation which is stored in the memory or buffer regarding therespective song or album. The retrieved information can includeidentification number or other identification information for therespective song, album, good(s) and/or service(s), price information,and/or any other information which can be utilized in order to effect apurchase of a copy of the song or album, and/or the respective good(s)and/or service(s).

At step 508, the central processing computer 20B can generate a purchaserequest message which can include the name of the respective song,album, good(s) and/or service(s), being ordered, the identificationnumber for the respective song, album, good(s) and/or service(s), beingordered, the price of the respective song, album, good(s) and/orservice(s), being ordered, identification information regarding theindividual's account and/or the account associated with the mediaplaying device 20 from which the order is being placed, and/or any otherdata and/or information for identifying the individual.

The purchase request message can be generated as any one of more of ane-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a facsimilemessage, a telephone message, and/or an electronic transmission of anykind.

At step 509, the media playing device 20 can transmit the purchaserequest message to the central processing facility computer 30. At step510, the central processing facility computer 30 can receive thepurchase request message. At step 511, the central processing facilitycomputer 30 can process the transaction involving the informationcontained in the purchase request message.

At step 511, the central processing facility computer 30 can alsoprocess the transaction in conjunction with data and/or informationregarding the individual which can be stored in, or at, the centralprocessing facility computer 30. For example, the central processingfacility computer 30 can store information regarding the individualwhich can include the individual's, name, address, shipping address,credit card identifier information, debit card identifier information,media playing device identification code, and/or any other informationfor facilitating the transaction involving the song or album.

At step 512, the central processing facility computer 30 can consummatethe transaction, arrange for payment from the individual, and/or arrangefor shipment of the respective copy of the song or album, and/or therespective good(s) and/or service(s), to the individual. At step 512,the central processing facility computer 30 can also generate an orderconfirmation message and transmit same to the individual's media playingdevice 20 via any one or more of a an e-mail message, an instantmessaging service message, a facsimile message, a telephone message,and/or an electronic transmission of any kind.

Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 100 will cease at step 513.The above-described process can be repeated for a next song receivedfrom the broadcasting system 10.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate another preferred embodiment method forutilizing the apparatus 100, in flow diagram form. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 6A and 6B, the apparatus 100 can be utilized in order to providebroadcasts of video information and/or audio and video information, suchas a television broadcast or other transmitted broadcast of televisionshows, television programs, movies, performances, music videos, etc.,along with any of the herein-described information. For example, theapparatus 100 can provide a television broadcast of a television show, atelevision program, a performance, or a movie (hereinafter referred toas a “show”).

In conjunction with the show, the apparatus 100 can provide any and/orall of the herein-described information pertaining to, and/or relatingto, the show, such as, for example, information regarding the name ofthe show, the performer(s) in the show, the actor(s) appearing in theshow, the producer(s) of director(s) of the show, the price of a copy ofthe show, an identification number pertaining to the show, orderinformation regarding the show and/or any other pertinent and/orrelevant information regarding the show. The apparatus 100 can alsoprovide information regarding goods or services.

The information provided with the show can then be utilized in order toallow an individual to place a purchase order or purchase request for acopy of the show, and/or to place a purchase order or purchase requestfor any good(s) or service(s), via the media playing device 20. Theinformation identifying the show, good(s), or service(s), along with theindividual's purchase order or purchase request for the respective show,good(s) or service(s), can then be transmitted from the individual'smedia playing device 20 to the central processing facility computer 30for transaction processing.

In the case of other video information, such as, for example, a newsbroadcast, a talk radio show, and/or any other video content, which canbe broadcast over the broadcast medium, the information can include anyinformation pertinent to, and/or relevant to, the broadcast or show.This information can include the show name, title, description, or storyline, the actor(s) or performer(s) in the show, the producer(s) ordirector(s) of the show, the place or time of occurrence of the show,talk show subject matter, or show participants, etc.

Any of the herein described information can be transmitted along withthe video information, show, or broadcast. The herein-describedinformation can be encoded into a digital recording or digital file ofthe respective video information, show, or broadcast subject matter.

The information can be encoded and stored at the beginning of therespective video file, such as in a header portion of the videoinformation, and/or the information can be multiplexed with, and/ormixed with, the entire, or at least a portion of the, video information.The information can be stored, along with the video information, on acompact disc, a digital video disc or digital virsatile disc (DVD), alaser disc, a video cassette tape, a streaming video file storagemedium, and/or any other storage medium.

In another preferred embodiment, the information can be broadcast alongwith the video information by being co-broadcast, in a portion of thesignal bandwidth, by a suitable transmitter or transmission system. Theinformation can also be encoded into, and/or with, the broadcast signal,and/or can be transmitted as a series of pulses or trains of pulsescontaining data representing the herein-described information.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operation of the apparatus 100is described in conjunction with providing the herein-describedinformation in conjunction with a television broadcast of a show. Whilein the preferred embodiment, the apparatus 100 is described inconjunction with a television broadcast of a show, the apparatus 100 ofFIGS. 6A and 6B can also be utilized in conjunction with Internettransmissions or broadcasts, streaming video transmissions orbroadcasts, digital transmissions or broadcasts, analog transmissions orbroadcasts, radio frequency transmissions or broadcasts, satellitetransmissions or broadcasts, and/or via any other suitable transmissionsor broadcasts.

With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the operation of the apparatus 100commences at step 600. At step 601, the broadcasting system 10broadcasts or transmits the show along with the herein-describedinformation regarding the show. At step 601, the broadcasting system 10can broadcast or transmit the show to any number of media playingdevices 20. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6A and 6B, the media playingdevice 20 can be any one or more of a television, a television receiver,a portable television (i.e. a car television, handheld television,etc.), and/or any other device for receiving the broadcast ortransmission. As noted above, the information which is transmitted alongwith the show can also include information regarding goods and/orservices.

At step 602, the media playing device 20 associated with the individualcan receive the broadcast. At step 603, the media playing device 20 canprocess the information received in the broadcast. At step 603, thecentral processing computer 20B can process the information pertainingto, and/or regarding, the broadcast, which can be transmitted as aheader to the show, which can be transmitted throughout the broadcast ofthe show, and/or which can be transmitted during a portion of the show.

At step 604, the media playing device 20 can begin playing the show. Atstep 604, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, the showcan be stored in a memory location or buffer and can be displayed on thedisplay device 20D. Any information pertaining to, and/or relating to,any good(s) and/or service(s), can also be stored in a memory locationor buffer and can be displayed on the display device 20D.

At step 604, the information can be displayed on the display 20D inorder to be viewed by the viewer. In another preferred embodiment, theinformation can be stored by the central processing computer 20B in abuffer or memory storage device and can be concealed from the viewer. Inthis manner, the information, which is not available for viewing, canstill be available for use in conjunction with the viewer's placing ofan order for, or entering into a transaction regarding, a copy of therespective show, and/or for placing an order for, or entering into atransaction regarding, any good(s) and/or service(s).

In the case of information provided in a header file the centralprocessing computer 20B can latch or store the information in a bufferor memory device and, thereafter, display the information on the displaydevice 20D. In the case of information which is multiplexed with, mixedwith, or transmitted along with, the broadcast and/or with the videoinformation, the central processing computer 20B can continuouslyprocess the information, such as at pre-determined time intervals, andlatch or store the information in a buffer or memory device.

At step 604, the information can be displayed on any one or more of thedisplay device 20D, the television display screen or display console,and/or a display device located on the television remote control device20C. In this manner, the apparatus 100 can provide the individual who isviewing the show with any of the herein-described information.

The displayed information can also include information regarding goodsor services. The information regarding goods or services can includemarketing information, sales information, promotional information,advertisement information, and/or any other information for facilitatinga sale of a respective good or service and/or for promoting a respectivegood or service.

At step 604, the information pertaining to, and/or relating to, theshow, as well as any information regarding goods or services, can bedisplayed on the display device 20D, and/or can be stored in a buffer ormemory device, for the duration of the show or for a portion of theshow.

At any time during the playing of the show, the individual can place anorder to buy or purchase a copy of the show. The individual can alsoplace an order to buy or purchase a good(s) and/or a service(s). At step605, the individual, upon deciding to purchase a copy of the show,and/or a good(s) and/or a service(s), can enter a purchase request orpurchase order regarding the show, and/or a good(s) and/or a service(s),into the input device 20D. At step 606, the central processing device20B will receive and process the purchase order or purchase request. Thecentral processing computer 20B will then, at step 607, retrieveinformation which is stored in the memory or buffer regarding the show.The retrieved information can include the identification number or otheridentification information, price information, and/or any otherinformation which can be utilized in order to effect a purchase of acopy of the show, and/or the respective good(s) and/or service(s).

At step 608, the central processing computer 20B can generate a purchaserequest message which can include the name of the respective show,good(s) and/or service(s), being ordered, the identification number forthe respective show, good(s) and/or service(s), being ordered, the priceof the respective show, good(s) and/or service(s), being ordered,identification information regarding the individual's account and/or theaccount associated with the media playing device 20 from which the orderis being placed, and/or any other data and/or information foridentifying the individual.

The purchase request message can be generated as any one of more of ane-mail message, an instant messaging service message, a facsimilemessage, a telephone message, and/or an electronic transmission of anykind.

At step 609, the media playing device 20 can transmit the purchaserequest message to the central processing facility computer 30. At step610, the central processing facility computer 30 can receive thepurchase request message. At step 611, the central processing facilitycomputer 30 can process the transaction involving the informationcontained in the purchase request message.

At step 611, the central processing facility computer 30 can alsoprocess the transaction in conjunction with data and/or informationregarding the individual which can be stored in, or at, the centralprocessing facility computer 30. For example, the central processingfacility computer 30 can store information regarding the individualwhich can include the individual's, name, address, shipping address,credit card identifier information, debit card identifier information,media playing device identification code, and/or any other informationfor facilitating the transaction involving the show.

At step 612, the central processing facility computer 30 can consummatethe transaction, arrange for payment from the individual, and/or arrangefor shipment of the copy of the show, and/or the respective good(s)and/or service(s), to the individual. At step 612, the centralprocessing facility computer 30 can also generate an order confirmationmessage and transmit same to the individual's media playing device 20via any one or more of a an e-mail message, an instant messaging servicemessage, a facsimile message, a telephone message, and/or an electronictransmission of any kind.

Thereafter, the operation of the apparatus 100 will cease at step 613.The above-described process can be repeated for a next show receivedfrom the broadcasting system 10.

In the above-described manner, the apparatus and method of the presentinvention can be utilized in order to facilitate a purchase of mediacontent, or a copy of media content, and/or to facilitate the purchaseof a good(s) and/or service(s), by utilizing information which can beprovided on a media playing device.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated invarious preferred and alternate embodiments, such descriptions aremerely illustrative of the present invention and are not to be construedto be limitations thereof. In this regard, the present inventionencompasses all modifications, variations, and/or alternate embodiments,with the scope of the present invention being limited only by the claimswhich follow.

1. A media playing device comprising: a receiver configured to receivemedia content and information regarding the media content, theinformation regarding the media content comprising informationidentifying the media content; media playing device equipment forplaying the media content; an input device enabling a user of the mediaplaying device to enter a purchase request for the media content; aprocessor configured to generate a purchase request message identifyingthe media content and an account associated with the at least one of theuser and media playing device; a transmitter coupled to the inputdevice, the transmitter being configured to send the purchase requestmessage to a central processing facility for processing of the purchaserequest message.
 2. The media playing device of claim 1, wherein themedia content is broadcast and the receiver is a broadcast receiverconfigured to receive the media content as a broadcast.
 3. The mediaplaying device of claim 1, further comprising a display, wherein theprocessor displays on the display at least part of the informationregarding the media content.
 4. The media playing device of claim 3,wherein the information regarding the media content further comprisesprice of the media content, and the processor displays the price of themedia content on the display.
 5. A method of purchasing media content,the method comprising: receiving at a media playing device the mediacontent; playing from the media playing device the media contentreceived at the media playing device; transmitting from the mediaplaying device a purchase request for the media content, thereby placingan order for the media content.
 6. The method of claim 5, furthercomprising: receiving at the media playing device information regardingthe media content; and displaying on the media playing device theinformation regarding the media content received at the media playingdevice.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the information regarding themedia content displayed on the media playing device comprises price ofthe media content.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the step oftransmitting is performed during the step of playing.
 9. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the step of receiving the media content comprisesreceiving broadcast content.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the stepof receiving the media content comprises receiving live content.
 11. Amethod of facilitating purchase of media content, the method comprising:transmitting the media content to a media playing device; receiving fromthe media playing device a purchase request message, the purchaserequest message identifying the media content and an account associatedwith at least one of the media playing device and a user of the mediaplaying device; and consummating a transaction involving the mediacontent.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of consummatingcomprises arranging payment for the media content from the account. 13.The method of claim 12, wherein the step of transmitting comprisesbroadcasting the media content.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising transmitting information regarding the media content duringthe step of transmitting the media content.
 15. A method comprising:broadcasting media content to a media playing device; transmitting tothe media playing device information regarding an item selected from agroup consisting of a good and a service, the step of transmitting tothe media playing device information being performed during the step ofbroadcasting; receiving from the media playing device a purchase requestmessage, the purchase request message identifying the item and anaccount associated with an entity selected from the group consisting ofthe media playing device and a user of the media playing device; andarranging payment for the item from the account.
 16. An apparatus forfacilitating a purchase in conjunction with media content information,comprising: a memory device, wherein said memory device storesinformation for processing at least one of an order for and a purchaseof at least one of a copy of media content, a good, and a service; areceiver, wherein said receiver receives a purchase request message froma media playing device associated with a user; and a processor, whereinsaid processor is configured to process said purchase request message inconjunction with said information stored in said memory device, andfurther wherein said processor is configured to generate a messagecontaining information for at least one of placing and fulfilling anorder for said at least one of a copy of said media content, a good, anda service.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said informationstored in said memory device contains identification code of mediaplaying device of the user.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein saidpurchase request message contains information regarding an accountassociated with a media playing device of the user.
 19. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein said processor at least one of processes a payment andarranges for a payment for said at least one of an order and a purchaseof said at least one of the copy of said media content, a good, and aservice.
 20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said processor isconfigured to arrange for a shipment of said at least one of the copy ofsaid media content, a good, and a service.
 21. The apparatus of claim16, wherein said processor is configured to generate an orderconfirmation message.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising:a transmitter for transmitting said order confirmation message to themedia playing device associated with the user.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein said order confirmation message comprises an instantmessaging service message.
 24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein saidmedia content comprises is at least one of a radio broadcast and atelevision broadcast.
 25. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the mediaplaying device is at least one of a radio, a television, a personalcomputer, a compact disc player, a video disc player, a laser discplayer, a video cassette player, a tape player, a radio receiver, amobile radio, a television receiver, a mobile television, and an MP3player.
 26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said apparatus isutilized over a closed-circuit communication network.
 27. The apparatusof claim 16, wherein said apparatus is utilized over a wirelesscommunication network.
 28. A method for facilitating a purchase inconjunction with media content information, comprising: storinginformation for processing at least one of an order for and a purchaseof at least one of a copy of media content, a good, and a service;receiving a purchase request message from a media playing deviceassociated with a user; processing said purchase request message inconjunction with said stored information; and generating a messagecontaining information for at least one of placing and fulfilling anorder for said at least one of a copy of said media content, a good, anda service.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein said stored informationcontains information regarding the user's at least one of name, address,shipping address, credit card identifier information, debit cardidentifier information, and media playing device identification code.30. The method of claim 28, wherein said purchase request messagecontains at least one of information regarding the at least one of orderand purchase, the name of the at least one of media content, the good,and the service, being at least one of ordered and purchased, theidentification number of the at least one of media content, the good,and the service, being at least one of ordered and purchased, the priceof the of the at least one of media content, the good, and the service,being at least one of ordered and purchased, identification informationregarding the user's account, and identification information regardingan account associated with the user's media playing device.
 31. Themethod of claim 28, further comprising: at least one of processing apayment and arranging for a payment for said at least one of an orderand a purchase of said at least one of the copy of said media content, agood, and a service.
 32. The method of claim 28, further comprising:arranging for a shipment of said at least one of the copy of said mediacontent, a good, and a service.
 33. The method of claim 28, furthercomprising: generating an order confirmation message.
 34. The method ofclaim 33, further comprising: transmitting said order confirmationmessage to the media playing device associated with the user.
 35. Themethod of claim 33, wherein said order confirmation message comprises afacsimile message.
 36. The method of claim 28, wherein said mediacontent is at least one of a radio broadcast, a song, a radio program, atelevision broadcast, a television show, a television program, a movie,a news broadcast, a talk radio show, a talk television show, an audioprogram and a video program.
 37. The method of claim 28, wherein themedia playing device comprises an MP3 player.
 38. The method of claim28, wherein said method is performed over a cable televisioncommunication network.